Meetings part 2
The second part to my little fanfic of these characters meeting. You can view part 1 here: https://iknowitsgreen.tumblr.com/post/614603052435013632/meetings-part-1
'I don't get it, what happened? Did I scare him off somehow?' But before Fatechanger could really think over these thoughts, the door opened once more.
The next one to open to open the door was a LeafWing. Rather then the usual browns and greens of a LeafWing she was entirely shades of orange. She carried several large bags with her, more then the others had. She was the first to speak as she entered the room.
"Hello. I'm Oak. You're Fatechanger?"
"Yeah, that's me! It's great to meet you, Oak. I hope we can be great friends!"
"Same." She set her things down, and turned around.
"Eh? Are you going somewhere already?"
"Yes. Bye." Just like that, she was back out the door.
Fatechanger looked worriedly at the bags. Oak had just dumped them into the middle of the floor. The NightWing had the strangest sense that if he didn't move them Boa would yell at him as well. Sighing, he went to pick them up, only to find them much heavier then he expected. 'What's in here, rocks?' Even though it was a struggle he managed to move the bags into a corner, where they'd be less obstructive.
He just finished another bag, when the door opened once again. Fatechanger looked over at the new arrival, a black HiveWing with yellow accents.
Fatechanger was panting as he spoke, still tired. "H-Hey there! I'm Fa-Fatechanger, it's great to meet you."
"Do you really believe that?"
Fatechanger rubbed his neck, catching his breath. "Um... What do you mean?"
"Nothing. I am Yellowjacket. Like the hive."
"Well, I definitely am glad to meet you, Yellowjacket!"
"Joy is meaningless."
Fatechanger's smile twitched a bit at that. 'Another weird one.' "Well, I hope you're feeling welcome regardless!"
"Whatever." She went over to the door with her name on it- only for her to get a pillow thrown at her.
It was Salamander's voice that came from the room. "Oh, leave me alone, you fiend! Can't you see I'm mourning here? My love, my love! Oh, my love!"
It was Yellowjacket who responded. "Love is an illusion. All it does is lead to pain." There were loud foot steps, and then the door was slammed into Yellowjacket's face. "Wow, what's her problem?" As Yellowjacket went to the couch to sit, Fatechanger sighed, and sat on the second couch in the room.
Fatechanger felt odd sitting in silence, so he tried to make some small talk. "So.. Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? I'd really like to know what things are like in the Hive Kingdom!"
"It can get pretty cramped. Pretty much everything is in doors."
"I see... And what about yourself? What do you like to do?"
"I enjoy exercise, and training with my bow."
"Oh, you like archery? I wonder if there's a club for it here... Maybe we could join together?"
"I would not want to join a club. My archery is for combat, not for fun."
"Combat...? You mean like hunting?"
"At times."
Fatechanger was suddenly very nervous about what else Yellowjacket was talking about. Before he could get an answer, someone else walked into the room.
The new person was an IceWing, with somewhat dark blue markings. He looked surprised to see the other two dragons in the room, smiling as he looked Fatechanger and Yellowjacket over.
"Hello," he said, "I'm Ridge! Wow, it's really cool to meet you! Er, you're Fatechanger and Yellowjacket, am I right?"
Fatechanger nodded. "Yep! It's really great to meet you too!"
Yellowjacket only responded with a, "Meh."
Ridge walked into the room, looking at it from top to bottom, an expression of awe on his face. "Man, this place is so cool! And big! I didn't expect it to be so big!"
"Jade Academy's not exactly the little cave system it was when it was founded," said Yellowjacket.
"I know, it's just so cool! Ugh, I wanna explore every inch of this place!" Ridge seemed was bouncing with excitement. "Really, I just came to leave my stuff behind. Say, do either of you want to come with me?"
"Hard pass," was Yellowjacket's responce.
Fatechanger went for a more diplomatic route. "I'd love to, but I want to meet everyone in our winglet first. I hope you understand?"
"Sure, sure. It's fine. Just thought it'd be polite to offer. Welp, I'm off! Later!" The IceWing practically ran out the door in his excitement, leaving Fatechanger alone with Yellowjacket once more.
This time Fatechanger didn't say anything, so the two sat in a somewhat awkward silence waiting for the next person to show up. Fatechanger spent the time waiting by counting the ceiling tiles. There were only about 26, but in his recounting he went up to 27 at least once.
The next person arrived with a bang. Specifically, when Fatechanger heard a bang on the wall, and someone fall outside the room. Fatechanger got up, and hurried to the hallway to see what had happened.
A pale purple SeaWing girl is what he saw. She was dazed on the floor, and had a bunch of parchment spilling out of her bags. Fatechanger hurried over to her, worried. "Are you okay?"
She rubbed her head. "Oh, yeah. That's not the first time that's happened. Have I ever told you about the time I ran into a door three times in a row?"
Fatechanger shook his head. "No? We've never talked before."
"Huh, really? Oh, you're right! My bad." She swooped up all the parchment into her bags, and stood up. "I'm Jellyfish, nice to meet you."
"It's nice to meet you, too. Say, you're the same Jellyfish that's part of the Rhodonite Winglet, right?"
"Why, yes I am! How'd you know? Are you psychic? I heard NightWings are psychic sometimes."
"Um, well, sometimes, sure. But I'm not. Actually, I'm part of the Rhodonite Winglet too. My name's Fatechanger. It's great to meet you too."
The SeaWing giggled. "Thanks. I think it's great to meet me too." She then walked into the now open dorm room, with Fatechanger following after.
Jellyfish looked around the room. "So, where do I sleep?"
Yellowjacket answered. "You're gonna sleep in the room with your name labeled on it."
"Oh, okay!" Jellyfish yawned, and went to the room with her name on it. It was the same room that Yellowjacket had gone to open earlier. Fatechanger winced when he noticed it, but this time though, the door opening was not followed by a book. Instead, the sound of light snores could be heard from inside.
Jellyfish stepped inside, and Yellowjacket got up to follow her, leaving Fatechanger alone again.
It took some time of waiting, when not one, but three SilkWings came in, all giggling together. One was blue, one was pink, and the third was a golden yellow. The blue and pink one were carrying bags with them, but the golden one was not. The golden yellow one said to the other two, "and then I told him it was actually mulch!" This caused the other two to go into a frenzied spree of laughter.
Fatechanger looked on nervously, but willed himself to ask. "Oh, um, hello! Are one of you Monarch?"
The blue and pink SilkWings stopped laughing and gasped, but the golden one silenced them with a wave of their claw. "Why, yes, I am indeed Princess Monarch. Charmed, I'm sure."
"Oh... Princess?"
Another gasp from the two SilkWings accompanying her, and another gesture to cut it short. "Yes, Princess. I'm not too surprised you don't know- the paper telling us which winglet we were in left out my title, for some unknowable reason."
"Right... and who are your friends, uh, your majesty?"
That seemed to make the princess smile, and she gave another wave of her hand. "I'm Swallowtail," said the blue one with some disdain in her voice.
Then the pink one spoke up. "I'm Rosy! It's so cool to meet you, I've never really met a real NightWing before! Oh man, I have so many questions, like-" She was shut up when Swallowtail covered her mouth.
"Not in front of the princess!" The blue one stage whispered.
"Oops... Sorry."
Monarch took a step forward, prompting the other two to take a step backward. "They are my royal retainers. I do hope they won't bother you. They are in other winglets, of course, but they will likely be here quite often."
"No, it doesn't bother me at all, you majesty."
"Good. Come along girls, and let's decorate my dormitory." With a beckoning gesture from Monarch, the three girls went into the room labeled with Monarch's name.
Fatechanger sighed. He'd met all of his new roommates, yet somehow he was still all alone. He went to lay down on the couch, exhausted after meeting so many stange dragons in such a short time. It didn't take long for him to end up asleep.
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The Demon Wears Neon
My Holiday Gift for @teatimeunicorpia for @mp100ficrec gift exchange!
Prompt: High Fashion AU starring designer Teru
Ship: None, Kageyama Mob & Hanazawa Teruki
Summary: Mob has been set a challenge by his parents. He needs to learn how to live on his own. Which means find a place, find a job, and then keep the job. That sounds easy enough. (No Powers AU)
-Inspired by the Devil Wears Prada and Princess Jellyfish
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - MORNING
Stylish. Chic. Desperately trying to be bougie. Looks like the backstage of a runway, with employees that just stepped away from a photoshoot.
SHIGEO KAGEYAMA, 22, stradles the line between homely and homeless. He appears so unremarkable that he goes by a second name, MOB.
Mob loiters in front of the entrance. He looks up at the big, lit up sign and then at the job opening flyer posted on the door. He peers inside for the nth time.
The contrast between the sharply-heeled, precise-cut outfitted clerks and himself is apparent. Comparable to the way a multi-million, downtown condo contrasts an abandoned cottage in the woods. He sighs.
MOB
There's no way...
He shifts his gaze down.
A shot of his scuffed-up sneakers on the concrete sidewalk.
INT. KAGEYAMA HOUSE - EVENING
Two weeks ago.
A shot of the same scuffed-up sneakers but on the laminated floor of a genkan. Shot pans up.
MRS. KAGEYAMA, middle-aged with a no nonsense look that can only be cultivated by raising two boys. She stands in front of Mob, hands on her hips.
Mob just got home, looking like he went out for a run. He's in a pair of sweatpants with a white T-shirt damp from sweat.
MOB
Oh. I'm ho-
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Are you doing anything tomorrow?
MOB
No? I don't-
MRS. KAGEYAMA
What about the next week? Or the next month? Or the next year? Do you have any plans at all?
MOB
Um...
Mrs. Kageyama drags a hand down her face.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Shige. You're a grown man now. It's time you learned how to live on your own. Just look at Ritsu! Gone off to college!
MOB
But you agreed college wasn't for me.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
I did. That doesn't mean I wanted you to just hang around the house. You're not even working! You know, your father and I won't be here forever. We can't keep waiting for you to get moving.
MOB
What does that mean?
MRS. KAGEYAMA
We agreed to provide you with one month's rent. Just to get you started. Find yourself a place. Find yourself a job. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. You could work at a 7/11. I just -
Mrs. Kageyama sighs. Every year of her age seems to catch up in a single second. She looks tired and worn out, like a beloved blanket washed too many times.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
We just need to know that you're going to be okay...
Mob looks down at his feet. Silence for an extended pause.
MOB
That's one month?
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Yes. Plenty of time, don't you think?
A front shot of Mob's face, focus on his eyes - a flat, dead-fish looking stare.
MOB
Yeah... Yeah, okay.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - MORNING
Same shot of Mob's eyes.
MOB
This is a bad idea.
TERU
Blocking the door tends to be.
A full shot. Mob jumps and whips around to see TERUKI HANAZAWA, 23, the human personification of LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It". His personal style is disco night meets black light parties - a lot of sequins, a lot of neon.
He peers over his bedazzled, heart-shaped sunglasses, giving Mob a once over. He is not impressed with what he sees.
TERU
Well?
Mob blinks at him.
TERU
(clicks tongue)
Get out of the way.
Mob scrambles off to the side. Teru flounces in, his many shopping bags hit Mob on the way. Stunned, Mob dazedly follows him inside.
There's an uproar as all the store clerks swarm Teru. They take his bags, asking rapid fire questions, presenting him with products. Mob watches, swept off to the side.
ARATAKA REIGEN, 36, like a car salesman but fashionable. He strides through the crowd, holding up two belts.
REIGEN
There you are, Teruki. I'm planning to change the window display. Help me pick a belt.
Both belts are teal, wide, and flat but with different buckles and base materials. To the casual onlooker, the belts appear identical.
MOB
Aren't those the same belts?
A pause. All the store clerks and Reigen look at him. Mob becomes a living statue - maybe not even living - a soon to expire statue.
Slowly, dramatically, Teru turns to face Mob.
TERU
Oh. The boy masquerading as a door mat.
Mob draws up his shoulders, a turtle ducking into his shell.
MOB
I... There was...
He points at the job opportunity flyer. Teru frowns.
TERU
I knew that flyer was a bd idea. It invites all kinds of riff raff.
MOB
Puh- Please. Two weeks. Rent due. I need - That is, I can... Please.
Reigen sighs and lightly nudges Teru.
REIGEN
Listen kid. We need more help. I'm sure with the right training-
Teru glances at Reigen, glances back at Mob, then gives Reigen a look that could dry up the seas in second.
TERU
We aren't running a charity here. Our job candidates should at least start from rock bottom, not the inner depths of the Earth's crust.
MOB
I can work very hard! An - And I can follow orders! I'll do my best to learn!
REIGEN
Oh give him a chance. He can work in the back, doing inventory. No one has to see him. We really need the extra help.
TERU
I heard you the first time.
REIGEN
Did you.
Reigen and Teru lock eyes. A tense moment.
TERU
Alright! Fine. We can take him on. Temporarily. If he messes up my shop, it's on your head.
MOB
... Wait. This is your shop?
Teru and Reigen stare blankly at him. A beat. Teru turns to Reigen with a grin that could put a laughing Buddha to shame.
TERU
Good luck, Arataka. You are going to need it.
Teru walks away with a dramatic spin on his heel. His staff follow after him like particularly noisy chickadees - chirping out new questions and suggestions.
Reigen and Mob both watch them go. A pause. Reigen looks over to find Mob preoccupied with a nearby sweater. His fingers run over the smooth cashmere in a repetitive rhythm.
REIGEN
(clears throat)
Alright, kid. I just stuck my neck out for you. Don't let me down.
Mob blinks. His eyes got that thousand yard stare. Reigen's brow twitches.
REIGEN
Geez. You really make a guy feel confident about his choices. What's your name?
MOB
Shigeo Kageyama. My friends call me Mob.
REIGEN
Like a mob boss?
MOB
Like a mob character.
REIGEN
.... Right. I'm Arataka Reigen.
Mob nods. A long, stretched out pause. They stare at each other.
MOB
Oh. Thank you. And please excuse me but, why did you do that?
REIGEN
What? Help you out? Listen, a new stock of our famous Jellyfish couture just came in. It's a massive order. I could either go crazy doing it by myself OR we could hire you to give me a hand. Now come on.
Reigen walks away, beckons Mob to follow. Mob stays put.
MOB
We're starting now?
Reigen doesn't even pause or glance back.
REIGEN
Why? You got other stuff to do?
Mob stumbles after him, trying to catch up.
INT. CRYPTID APARTMENT - EVENING
Messy, cluttered, obviously occupied by more than one twenty something. Anime merch scattered on every surface. Sci-fi posters plastered on the walls. A roach sets out from the Take Out Box street and visits its cousin in Candy Wrapper lane.
TOME KURATA, 24, self-identifies as a cryptid but actually she's just a NEET. She's camped out on the living room floor, playing a console game.
Mob enters. He looks like the patient of a medieval doctor - as in someone stuck a bunch of leeches on him and now he's nothing more than a husk of a human being.
TOME
Ossu! How'd the job hunting go?
MOB
... I got one.
Tome pauses her game and faces him.
TOME
Nice! Did you - Woah! What happened to you?
Mob doesn't answer. He shuffles over to the couch and faceplants on it. He is dead now.
Fade to black.
TOME
Mob? Oi, Mob! Mobbu-kun!
INT. CRYPTID APARTMENT - AFTERNOON
Two weeks ago.
Blackout.
TOME
Mob?
Fade in. An unimpressed Tome stands with her arms crossed. She looks Mob up and down.
TOME
What kind of name is that?
Full shot. MAMETA INUKAWA, 22, vaguely resembles a Shiba Inu. He's standing next to Mob, a hand clapped on his shoulder. They're both facing Tome.
INUKAWA
Oh it's just something we liked to call him.
MOB
My name is Shigeo Kageyama. It's pleasure to meet you.
TOME
Huh. I'm Tome Kurata.
MOB
Oh. That's my grandmother's name.
TOME
Neat. So. Our last roommate fucked off without paying in advance. We're really in a bind here. I'm not even asking for the full payment just half.
MOB
Yes. I can pay. But I need a room.
TOME
Pfft! If you keep paying, you keep staying. Just don't murder us all in our sleep. And for the love of all things holy, wash your fucking dishes after you eat. That's all.
MOB
I can manage that.
TOME
Excellent. Welcome to the Cryptid Den, Mob-kun.
MOB
Uh... Cryptid?
INUKAWA
Because we're all hopeless shut-ins who barely scrape by on night-shift part-time work. So, seeing us is like sighting a cryptid - you know, Big Foot, Nessie...
TOME
BZT! Wrong! We're cryptids because we all have a mysterious allure!
INUKAWA
Oh. I thought that was just the smell from your unwashed bras.
Tome shrieks wordlessly and flails at him.
A torso shot of Mob, standing in front of the door.
INT. CRYPTID APARTMENT - EVENING
The same shot of Mob, sitting at the dining table. The rest of his roommates have trudged out of their self-imposed isolation. They're eating take-out sushi.
SARUTA SHIRIHIKO, 22, big, broad, and butt-chinned. He casually steals sushi from Inukawa's plate. HARUTO KIJIBAYASHI, 24, always looks stressed out but it's just his resting face. He laughs as Inukawa thumps Shirihiko.
Mob focuses on carefully dipping a roll into soy sauce.
Tome walks in, carrying a pack of beer. She thumps it on the table before taking a seat.
TOME
Right, boys. I don't have to remind you. But I'm still gonna so don't you give me any excuses later. Rent is due in two weeks. That is 14 days. Got it? Mob, you listening?
Mob lifts his head. His roll slips from his chopsticks and splashes soy sauce on him. He flinches and reaches for a napkin. He pats himself down.
A pause. Everyone is waiting for him to respond. Distantly, the front door can be heard opening.
RITSU KAGEYAMA, 21, a Hot Mess pretending to be the Cool Guy. He walks in.
Tome clears her throat. Mob returns his attention to her.
MOB
Ah. Yes. I heard. I can pay on time. I have a job now.
RITSU
Really, Nii-san? Congratulations!
Ritsu grabs a beer and takes a seat next to Mob. Tome eyes him.
TOME
Oi, Kageyama. If you keep coming around here, and I'll start charging you for rent.
RITSU
Please, Kurata-san. I am a poor college student. I don't have a penny to my name.
INUKAWA
What's the job? Where at?
MOB
So far it's been managing inventory. At some place called Teru.
KIJIBAYASHI
Whoa. Wait. Teru?
RITSU
Do you like it?
MOB
Mmmm... I have a lot to learn. It's very tiring.
TOME
Yeah. You looked half-dead when you got in today.
Ritsu frowns, gripping his beer can hard enough to dent.
RITSU
Well. Don't work too hard.
MOB
I'll be fine. You don't need to worry about me.
RITSU
Just promise me if you get too stressed out-
KIJIBAYASHI
I can't believe you're working at Teru!
INUKAWA
Why is that such a big deal?
KIJIBAYASHI
It's like super popular! The store owner is supposedly some kinda fashion prodigy.
SHIRIHIKO
And how do you know this?
KIJIBAYASHI
My girlfriend. She's all about this kinda stuff.
TOME
Hold up! When the hell did you get a girlfriend?
The rest give Kijibayashi hell. Ritsu turns his attention to Mob.
RITSU
If it gets too much, you can always quit.
MOB
I know. But I really do need money.
RITSU
I can talk to Mom. I can convince her to let you come home. You don't need to put yourself through this.
MOB
Mom's busy taking care of Dad. He's still on medical leave, you know?
RITSU
Still?
MOB
... I want to do my best.
Ritsu scowls and takes an angry sip of his beer.
Tome has moved to throwing pizza crusts at Kijibayashi and Shirihiko. Inukawa is in tears from laughing.
RITSU
If you need anything-
MOB
Ritsu. It's fine.
(beat)
And you need to stop checking up on me. I know you're busy with college.
RITSU
(sighs)
Okay, Nii-san. Okay.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - MORNING
Mob enters. The boutique is in a frenzy. Store clerks run about blindly. Teru is at the center of all the mayhem. He's fixing up a mannequin, paying little attention to the panic.
TSUYOSHI EDANO, 24, stuck in his "high school punk" phase but now in a suit. He stands next to Teru, taking notes.
TERU
Details of your incompetence do not interest me. Tell Simone I'm not going to approve that girl she sent me. I asked for clean, athletic, smiling. She sent me dirty, tired, and paunchy.
Reigen appears next to Mob. He grabs his arm. Mob jumps.
REIGEN
You're late!
MOB
I... But... You told me to come at 8am. It's 8am.
REIGEN
Clearly I meant to come 15 minutes earlier. That's how it works around here.
Reigen pulls Mob through the store. Mob watches the store clerks rush around.
MOB
Is it always like this?
REIGEN
Just the Teru effect. But he's in fine form today. The shop isn't even open yet and he's already sent someone crying.
Mob blinks, slightly frowning.
REIGEN
I wouldn't worry about it. Your job is out of his way. Unlike mines.
MOB
If you don't mind me asking, what is your job?
REIGEN
Mostly I handle the daily operations of the shop. But I'm also the event planner. Teruki puts on fashion shows, you see. It's what all those fancy brands - Gucci, Prada, Versace - they all do it. And that kid, well he believes himself on par with them. So of course whatever they do, he will too. Never mind that they've got more resources and reach. So he's just stressing himself out for not much pay off. And of course, us underlings get the brunt of his freak outs - I'm ranting, aren't I? Don't mind me, kid.
MOB
I wasn't. I didn't get... any of that.
They enter the backroom. It looks like the kind of place where simple joys die slow, drawn out deaths. No windows. Buzzing, overhead lights. A small mountain of unopened boxes next to a second door. Rows and rows of shelves and racks, most empty. Not a lot of breathing room.
Reigen glances over at Mob.
REIGEN
Mob, right? Just do as I say and we should get along fine.
Mob stares at Reigen.
REIGEN
Think you can do that?
MOB
Oh. Yes.
REIGEN
Good. Now, where did I leave off yesterday...
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - MONTAGE
Mob hard at work. He's carrying a huge box. He can't see where he's going. He bumps into a store clerk who stumbles back, knocking over a set of mannequins. There's a deafening crash. Reigen comes running over.
REIGEN
Mob!
Reigen carefully jotting down the inventory. He double checks to make sure they received everything. Behind him, Mob unpacks a few boxes. He pauses for a moment, wiping his brow. He notices an electric fan in the corner - it's huge, industrial sized. He switches it open. The sudden breeze sends all of Reigen's files flying.
REIGEN
Mob!!
Mob walks in, carrying a tray of tea. He trips over his feet and sends the drinks flying, headed right for the unwrapped stock of very expensive cashmere skirts. Reigen yells and makes a mad dash. In slow motion - like watching a hardened soldier take a bullet for a fallen comrade - Reigen steps in and shields the skirts from the tea splash.
MOB
... Oops.
Reigen now dripping wet.
REIGEN
MOB!!!
EXT. BACK ALLEY - AFTERNOON
A cramped area behind the boutique. Largely bare. Only a recycling bin full of flattened boxes, a mostly empty trash bin, and Mob.
He squats next to the door. He picks at a store-bought bento.
MOB
(sighs)
Man. I suck at this.
Door swings violently open. It knocks into Mob, upturning his bento and spilling the food all over him.
Teru enters.
MOB
... Ow.
Teru glances over and sees him.
TERU
You know, if I had wanted a doormat, I could have bought a perfectly serviceable one at a department store. It would have been better looking too.
Mob focuses on brushing the food off him.
TERU
Hello? I'm talking to you.
Mob slowly lifts his head and turns to Teru.
TERU
Are you deaf?
MOB
No.
TERU
Then why didn't you say anything?
MOB
Was I supposed to?
TERU
Sorry would be a good start.
MOB
But... You're the one that hit me... With the door...
Teru turns away from him. He pulls out his phone and a cigarette. He starts a call, puffing out smoke.
Mob gets up, throws away his bento, and enters the boutique.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - AFTERNOON
Mob walks into the backroom. Reigen is using a box for a desk, scribbling fast. He sees Mob and turns to him.
REIGEN
Whoa. Did you eat lunch or did lunch eat you?
MOB
I-
REIGEN
Yeah, yeah. Listen. Kid. This isn't gonna work.
MOB
What won't?
REIGEN
You are just constantly in the way. I can't believe you've stayed on. You're clearly not cut out for this. You should quit.
A pause. Mob shakes his head slowly. He scratches at his arm.
MOB
... No.
Another pause, drawn out. Reigen studies him.
REIGEN
This is a fashion boutique. Employees should have an interest in fashion. Which you don't.
MOB
I can learn.
REIGEN
Who's going to teach you? Because I just don't have the time.
Mob scratches his arm faster.
MOB
Give me - Give me one more chance. I need to work. I can't - Mom and Dad - tired of disappointing.
A pause.
Teru enters with his usual dramatic flair.
TERU
Reigen, I need coffee.
REIGEN
I'm busy, brat.
TERU
Then get your little errand boy to do it. Isn't that why we hired him?
Mob stops scratching his arm. He balls his hands into fists.
MOB
I can do it!
TERU
You don't have a choice. I want a triple grande caramel macchiato in a venti cup, 1/2 whole milk, 1/2 almond milk, a splash of soy, double the amount of vanilla syrup, caramel wall in the cup, extra whip. Understood?
Mob did not understand.
MOB
Y-Yes.
TERU
Then what are you standing around for? Go!
INT. STARBUCKS - AFTERNOON
No place special. Just somewhere to get the usual caffeine fix.
Mob stands at the counter. A hand furiously scratches at his arm. He stares at the menu. Seen from his point of view, the menu starts to blur into an unreadable mess.
ICHI MEZATO, 22, the love child of Sherlock Holmes and Lois Lane. She mans the register, eyeing Mob. A line is forming behind him.
MEZATO
Hey! I know you! Don't you work at Teru?
Mob jumps. He stops scratching.
MOB
Ho-How did you know?
MEZATO
I stopped by this morning and saw you knock a store clerk into those mannequins. Man, that was funny. Lemme guess. You're here for the bossman.
Mob nods.
MEZATO
I gotchu. He always gets the same thing. I've memorized the order by now.
MOB
That's... convenient.
MEZATO
Hey, don't question your luck. It seems like a stressful place to work at. You're gonna need all the help.
MOB
Thank you...
Mob squints at her name tag.
MOB
Mezato-san?
MEZATO
That will be 400 yen.
Mob freezes.
MEZATO
... He didn't give you money, did he?
Mob mournfully pulls out his wallet, sighing.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - EVENING
Mob enters. Teru dashes over. Reigen stays standing at the register. He watches them.
TERU
Finally! What took you so long? I thought you died or something!
MOB
Please excuse me.
Mob hands the coffee to Teru. He eyes the cup suspiciously before taking a sip.
TERU
Hmph. I suppose that will do.
Teru turns around and flounces away. Reigen walks up to Mob.
REIGEN
That brat always orders the most elaborate stuff. I'm surprised you managed it. So you can follow instructions, huh?
MOB
Yes.
REIGEN
Alright. I can give you one more shot at this. But if you mess up, that's it.
INT. CRYPTID APARTMENT - EVENING
Mob and Ritsu sit on the couch. Tome and Inukawa play some sort of dancing game. They are both obviously out of shape.
RITSU
How's work?
MOB
It's going okay.
RITSU
Not too stressful?
A pause. Mob keeps his eyes on the game. Ritsu watches him.
MOB
I'm handling it.
Ritsu says nothing.
A beat. Mob yawns. He stretches and the sleeves slip down. His arms have raw-red scratch marks. Ritsu grabs Mob.
RITSU
What is this?
MOB
Don't worry about it.
RITSU
Nii-san! This job is obviously awful. Please quit. I can loan you some money. You don't need -
MOB
I need to be treated like a grown up. I'm the older brother. I should be taking care of you not...
RITSU
I don't need to be taken care of.
MOB
Then at least let me take care of myself. I'm not quitting.
RITSU
But-
MOB
Drop it, Ritsu.
Tome and Inukawa finally collapse from overexertion.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - MORNING
A week later.
Mob and Reigen are in one of the dressing rooms. Reigen is carefully outfitting Mob with some of the store's best-sellers.
MOB
Um... Reigen-san.
Reigen buttons up a smart-looking vest. It's very tight. Mob scratches at the seams. His posture has gotten very tense.
REIGEN
What, Mob?
MOB
Do you really think I'm ready to work at the front?
REIGEN
Nope. But if you stay working in the back with me, I might just go completely insane.
Mob deflates.
REIGEN
I'm just kidding. You've really gotten better.
Reigen winds a tie around his neck. Mob squirms, trying to loosen it. Reigen knocks his hand away.
REIGEN
Stop that.
MOB
Is all this stuff really necessary?
REIGEN
Unfortunately. Teruki doesn't let anyone on the floor unless they're looking runway ready. It's part of the hashtag-aesthetic.
MOB
I don't know what that means.
REIGEN
Same, kid.
Reigen claps Mob on the shoulders. He spins him around to face the mirror.
A full shot of his reflection. It's still Mob, with his bland-looking face and his severe-looking haircut. But his clothes are well-fitted and the dark colors complement his skin tone. He looks... well, pretty nice actually. Mob puffs up, smiling a bit
REIGEN
There, now. All you gotta do is keep the racks stocked and the shelves organized. We're not throwing you behind the register or anything. So don't worry. But you should be familiar with what we carry. Right?
MOB
Um...
REIGEN
Say yes.
MOB
Yes.
REIGEN
Good. Now get out there.
Reigen shoves Mob out of the dressing room. There's a cart full of stock waiting for him. He blinks and stares at it.
REIGEN
Take that to the front. You can figure out where to put it all.
Mob jumps and jerks into action. His movements are stiff, almost robotic. He wheels the cart into the crowded sales floor. Store clerks are buzzing about, flitting from customer to customer.
Mob watches them all and idly tugs at his tie, scratching his neck. He nearly crashes into a customer.
CUSTOMER
Hey! Watch it!
MOB
Sorry - Excuse me!
Mob hastily drags the cart over to a corner, breathing fast and hard. Both hands reach up to his neck, digging his nails in and scratching hard - leaving the skin an angry red.
A pause. Mob inhales deeply and faces the sales floor again. He looks at the cart then at the racks and starts heading out.
The chatter of the customers and clerks steadily grow louder. Mob scratches at the seams of his vest. He rocks on his heels as he hangs up some of the stock.
A store clerk passes by, casually re-applying perfume. Mob doubles over, clapping a hand over his nose and mouth.
A pulse can be heard - it's Mob. At first, just a steady beat hidden under all the noise. But slowly deafens everything else. Close up on the customers lips - smiling and talking away. Close up on the display lights, blindingly bright and everywhere. Close up on the vest's material, the starchy woven fabric embroidered with gold thread.
A full shot of Mob. He appears completely frozen. The cart is off to the side, abandoned.
A customer approaches.
CUSTOMER
Hey, excuse me. But I'm looking for a cashmere skirt. It's part of your fall line, I think. Could you help me?
A hand reaches out and gently nudges Mob's shoulder. Mob flinches away - as if electrocuted. He slaps away the hand and snarls at the customer. He looks ready to go apeshit.
A beat.
CUSTOMER
Um. What the he-
Mob dashes away. He tugs off the tie, flinging it away. It hits Reigen, dealing with a customer nearby. He turns.
REIGEN
Ow! Hey, who threw tha - Mob?
Mob exits the sales floor.
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - NIGHT
Five weeks ago.
Whitewashed walls, sterile-tiled floors. Buzzing flourescent lights. A crossbreed between a lab and a holding cell.
Mob is curled up on a chair. He scratches his ears. Mrs. Kageyama paces, wringing her hands. Ritsu enters, dashing in.
RITSU
How is he?
Mrs. Kageyama stops pacing.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Oh, Ritsu! You didn't need to come all this way!
RITSU
Didn't?! Dad just had a stroke! How can you -
A pause. Ritsu breathes in deeply. He looks over at Mob. He approaches cautiously.
RITSU
Hey, Nii-san. You okay?
Mob doesn't answer. He doesn't even glance at Ritsu.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Oh don't bother him. When your father collapsed, I thought to faint myself. Must've seemed worse for Shige.
RITSU
And is Dad...?
A pause. Mrs. Kageyama slowly shakes her head. A sob bursts out. Ritsu rushes over and drapes an arm around her.
Close up on Mob. Mrs. Kageyama can be heard crying in the background. He squeezes his eyes shut, gripping his knees hard.
INT. KAGEYAMA HOUSE - EVENING
Three weeks ago.
Mob stands at the entry way. He's dressed in a pair of sweats and a white T-shirt.
MR. KAGEYAMA, middle aged, stooped over from years of hard work and a very recent hospitalization. He is escorted in by Ritsu. They pass by Mob.
MR. KAGEYAMA
I can walk just fine. You're making me feel old, son.
RITSU
You are old, Dad.
MR. KAGEYAMA
Yes. But you shouldn't say it.
Mob watches them disappear into the kitchen. Mrs. Kageyama enters, stuffing her wallet into her purse.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Shige, if you've got time to be gawking, then you should be setting out the plates for dinner. You did order the take-out like I asked, did-
Mob pushes past her, kicking off his slippers and shoving on his sneakers.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Shige? What - You're going out? Now?
Mob remains silent. His expression is the most serious seen. He dashes out the door.
MRS. KAGEYAMA
Shige!
EXT. STREET - CONTINUOUS
Empty. Rows of unlit houses cage in the lane. The sky is a heartbreaking purple.
Mob runs. He runs and he runs and he runs. His face is a rictus of pain as he draws sharp, short breaths. He stumbles a little but quickly regains his footing. He keeps running.
A shot of a streetlight, flickering on.
EXT. BACK ALLEY - EVENING
Close up on a streetlight.
Pan out. Mob leans against the wall.
He's pulling off the vest, rocking on his heels. His breathing is fast and short. He frantically scratches everywhere.
Reigen enters. He's got the tie hooked around a finger. He watches Mob.
REIGEN
I'm guessing you didn't like the fit?
Mob doesn't answer. He's crumpled up the vest in his hands, squeezing tightly. Reigen winces.
A long drawn out pause.
REIGEN
So. How long are you gonna stay out here?
Mob stops scratching.
REIGEN
Just ran out the door. Honestly. You scared a customer.
Mob slowly turns to Reigen.
REIGEN
You're really bad at this. Dunno why you stick around. It's not a good fit for you.
Mob blinks.
REIGEN
... Just finish out the rest of this week. Then, you can get paid and go.
Mob shakes his head. He turns to face the wall, inhales deeply. A beat.
MOB
I want to work. I can. I have to. I'm - I want to stop running.
REIGEN
Okay... Why...?
MOB
Be-Because I need to prove I can.
REIGEN
To who?
MOB
To myself. That I can grow. And I'm going to be fine. And if I - if I just work hard enough...
A pause. Reigen hisses out a breath.
REIGEN
Right. Well you don't need to kill yourself in the process. Look, you've scratched your neck into bleeding.
MOB
Happens. Been trying not to scratch so much.
REIGEN
Okay. So how about this. Let's go back to managing the inventory for a bit. And then... Well, if you still really want to, we can ease you into the front.
MOB
But wasn't this the easy job?
REIGEN
Then I guess we'll have to make it easier.
A pause. Reigen studies Mob.
REIGEN
Are you absolutely sure? You don't have to. You can get a job that isn't retail.
Mob doesn't answer. Again he faces the wall and holds his hands, trying not to scratch.
MOB
My parents. They never... When they first found out I had autism, they never treated it like a big deal. They just went - "Ah, okay." They never stopped me from doing what I wanted to do.
(beat)
They honestly believe in me. That I can take care of myself. I want to - I want to believe it too.
Then Mob glances at Reigen and smiles.
MOB
And. You know. Not a lot of options for part-timers with no work experience. I can do this.
Reigen barks out a laugh, shaking his head. He spins the tie around his finger.
REIGEN
Then let's get started.
INT. DOWNTOWN BOUTIQUE - EVENING
Two days later.
The boutique is closed. The store clerks have fled. Reigen and Teru argue loudly. They stand by the registers. A cup of coffee on the counter.
Mob enters, carrying several shopping bags.
TERU
I don't understand why it's so difficult to confirm an appointment!
REIGEN
But I did confirm last night!
Teru notices Mob at the door.
TERU
Who are you? The store is closed! Can't you see the sign?
MOB
Oh but -
REIGEN
He works with me, remember? Helps out in the stock room? I just sent him to pick up some scarves for your little fashion show.
TERU
And it took him this long to come back? What happened? Did he get into an accident?
MOB
I got lost.
TERU
You got lost. He got lost. Okay you know what. Get out. I already sent everyone home but you - you won't be returning.
MOB
... What does that -
REIGEN
Hey, don't pick on him! He's trying his best!
TERU
His best clearly isn't good enough. I expect nothing short excellence.
Teru gifts Reigen with a sneer that threatened to melt the flesh from his face.
TERU
And there's seems to be a shortage of that around here!
A pause. Reigen shakes his head.
REIGEN
That's it. I'm done. Come find me when you're finished throwing your tantrum.
TERU
Find you? I'm firing you!
REIGEN
Is that right?
TERU
I'm the boss around here! Seems like you forgot!
REIGEN
Just never figured you to be an idiot. Stupid sometimes sure. But not an idiot. Have fun trying to figure everything without me!
TERU
Fine!
REIGEN
Fine!
Reigen storms out, exiting through the backroom.
A pause. Teru sees Mob watching.
TERU
And what are you looking at? Huh? Yet another mistake of his. Didn't I tell you to leave? You're fired too.
MOB
That was mean. He was only trying to help.
TERU
Didn't you hear me? You're fired.
MOB
I heard you. And... And I don't care. All Reigen-san has ever done is help you. He works overtime trying to put together your fashion show. But you just keep yelling at him. That's not right.
TERU
Who are you to lecture me? Get out!
MOB
You go around yelling at people and for what? Why do that? It doesn't actually help anything except maybe make you feel better. That's not - You can't just lash out.
TERU
Watch me.
Teru picks up the coffee and flings it at Mob. He ducks. The coffee splashes across the front doors.
MOB
Hey! That's dangerous! You'll ruin the clothes!
TERU
Those are my clothes! And I'll ruin all of it if I please!
Teru pulls out a pair of scissors from the counter. He picks up a skirt and proceeds to cut it into pieces.
TERU
You think you're better than me. Is that it? Is that why you keep lecturing me? As if I'm some poor, retarded child.
Mob balls his hands into fists.
MOB
That's enough.
Teru picks up shirt and slices it into ribbons.
TERU
When really, between the two of us, whose the real retard here? Hmm?
MOB
Shut up.
TERU
You think I didn't know? Please. I know everything that goes on inside my little shop. You almost lost me a customer.
MOB
I said shut up.
TERU
If I wasn't so busy, I would have fired you earlier.
Mob screams. He throws the shopping bags at Teru. Some fall halfway. Some miss. But one hits Teru right in the face.
A pause. Teru turns to Mob, a truly ugly grimace on his face.
TERU
You!
Teru grips the scissors like a knife and lunges at Mob. He jerks back, hands catching Teru's. There's a struggle for dominance. Snip.
Snip?
Both freeze. They eye as a huge chunk of Teru's hair falls between them.
A long pause.
Teru lets out a heart-wrenching wail. He drops the scissors. Hands reach up, clutching at his now very uneven hair do.
MOB
... I'm sorry...
Teru falls to the floor. He curls up into a ball, shivering.
TERU
It's over. I'm ruined. I'm done. Finished. A washed-up has-been.
MOB
You can still fix it. Just even it out. Maybe.
Teru finally lifts his head. Tears and snot stream down his blotchy-red face.
TERU
You don't get it! How could you? Living your dull, ugly life.
MOB
You're not much better looking.
A pause. Teru blinks at him.
TERU
Excuse me?
MOB
You look the same as everyone else. To me, at least. It's good that you wear all those neon clothes. Or else I wouldn't know it was you.
A beat. Teru starts laughing. He laughs long and hard. The laughter turns into soft sobbing. Mob watches, unsure what to do.
TERU
You're face blind? Of course you are. What is a god to a nonbeliever?
MOB
... Should I call an ambulance? Are you... okay?
TERU
No, I am not. I've been arranging this stupid fashion show, when I don't have anything to show. I try and I try to design. But nothing comes. Hey, what do you think I'm doing wrong?
A pause.
TERU
Look at me. Asking help from a -
MOB
I can't wear any of your clothes. And I always thought it was a bit unfair... If only certain people can wear your clothes and others can't.
TERU
That's just how the world works. It caters only to the special ones - those gifted with beauty and talent. Like moi.
MOB
I don't know who moi is, but they can't be very special. And if you're just following what the world does... Then aren't you just like everyone else?
Another pause. Longer this time, softer. Teru looks at Mob, really looks at him.
TERU
... I'm sorry I called you... Well, you know what I called you.
MOB
Yes. I'm still angry about that.
TERU
Right. As you should be. I would like to... I don't mean to sound presumptive, but I'd like to earn your forgiveness - if I may!
MOB
... How?
TERU
Well, first. You're definitely not fired.
MOB
And Reigen-san?
TERU
He isn't either. In fact, I'm giving you two some very important jobs.
Mob eyes Teru warily.
INT. CAFE - AFTERNOON
A popular hangout for college kids. Mismatched decor, worn out furniture, posters for open mic night. Currently crowded.
Teru and Ritsu sit together.
TERU
Model for me, mon chéri.
RITSU
I’m sorry. You want my brother to... what?
TERU
Really. It's that simple.
RITSU
... And we are talking about my brother, right? Kageyama Shigeo?
TERU
Do you have any more brothers?
RITSU
Look... I... Can you just explain? Why him?
TERU
Why is this so unbelievable? Do you not think he can be a model?
Ritsu flinches as if struck.
RITSU
That’s-
TERU
Well, if you really don’t understand.
RITSU
Okay, you know what-
TERU
I've worked with many top-class models. As I'm sure you know.
RITSU
I didn't, actu-
TERU
I'm used to certain standards of beauty. And your brother... failed to meet any.
RITSU
So why -
TERU
And I admit, upon first glance, I practically dozed off with how utterly dull he looks.
RITSU
Hey now -
TERU
But then! Oh but then! My eyes were opened! I was enlightened! Your brother has a certain... Mmmm... Je ne sais quoi...
Ritsu thumps his fist on the table.
RITSU
Enough with the French! I get it! You're very cultured!
TERU
Oh grazie.
Ritsu gifts him with a stare that could peel paint. Teru replies with a smile that could withstand a nuclear meltdown.
RITSU
Alright, listen Hanazawa. I watch my brother very carefully. And ever since he started working with you, he's been more stressed out than ever. He's scratched himself hard enough to scar.
TERU
I've been told that he's gotten better at that.
RITSU
He shouldn't be working at your place. You need to fire him.
Teru studies Ritsu.
TERU
... You approached me to say this? Shouldn't you be convincing your brother to quit? Wouldn't that be easier?
RITSU
Don't you think I've tried? He won't budge.
TERU
Then why should I fire him? He's willing.
RITSU
But he's not able! Surely you've noticed by now. My brother has... special needs.
A pause.
TERU
I think your brother is perfectly capable of assessing his own limits.
RITSU
And I think you just want to use him for your little scheme.
Teru's smile widens. He gets to his feet.
TERU
Oh please, mon frére. None of my schemes have ever been little.
Teru exits.
Ritsu grits his teeth. Close up on his pained expression.
EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON
12 years ago.
Same shot of Ritsu's pained expression, now a 9 year old kid. He's got a cut on his head. It's bleeding profusely. He's watching a 10 year old Mob, currently in the middle of a meltdown.
RITSU
Nii-san... Stop...
Mob is throwing rocks and beer bottles and whatever else he can get his hands on. He is screaming furiously and helplessly.
RITSU
Please stop.
A bunch of older middle-school boys flee from him.
RITSU
Stop!
Mob drags his hands down his arms. Scratching heavily. He curls into a ball.
A shot of Ritsu, squeezing his eyes shut.
INT. CAFE - AFTERNOON
Close up on Ritsu, eyes squeezed shut. He runs a hand down his face. He breathes out.
A pause.
He looks out the cafe window. He blinks. He sits up.
Pan over. Seen from Ritsu's point of view, Teru exits the cafe and dashes over to Mob, waiting across the street. They walk away together. Mob has his usual blank expression but he nods occassionally.
RITSU
Nii-san... What are you up to?
INT. TERU'S WORKSHOP - MONTAGE
Mob and Teru bent over the drafting table. Teru presents some fabric swatches. Mob feels each one, giving feedback. Teru listens very carefully.
A dressform. A shirt mockup pinned to it. Mob attaches a sleeve. He looks back at Teru and gets a thumbs up.
Mob runs his fingers over a swatch of fabric. He takes in the dressform with its mostly assembled outfit. Teru approaches from behind, carrying two cups of tea. Mob accepts his. They both turn to look at the dressform.
Close up on the outfit. It's an elegant piece, made of soft material with no visible seams. It has a low-hemline, with long sleeves and a loose turtleneck collar. A blazer is draped on top and pair of loose, square cut pants. It looks appropriate for the office or a night out.
TERU
I think we did a pretty good job.
Mob nods. A pleased smile.
INT. BACKSTAGE - EVENING
Chaos. Well-ordered chaos. Models are putting on their clothes, getting their make up done, being fussed over by Reigen. They all start lining up, ready for the runway.
Behind a dressing screen. Only Teru's and Mob's shadows can be seen. Teru is helping Mob put on the outfit they made.
TERU
You can back out right now. I don't mind. I've treated you badly and I'd deserve it if you -
MOB
I don't care about that. Not right now, at least.
TERU
You're right. You're absolutely right. This is all about you. Mob, what do you want?
MOB
I want to do this. I can.
TERU
You can. You practiced. We did that dress rehearsal. This is your style. Own it.
A pause. Mob's shadow looks at Teru's.
MOB
No more running.
TERU
No more running. Now we strut.
Reigen rushes over. He's tapping at his watch.
REIGEN
Teruki! Showtime!
INT. STAGE - EVENING
It's a packed room. People are seated on 3 sides of the catwalk. Bright lights render them all faceless. Lots of indistinct chatter.
Close up on the Cryptids. They're all seated together. Pan over to Mezato, seated off to the side.
Close up on Mr. and Mrs. Kageyama seated with Ritsu. They have a front row view. Mrs. Kageyama holds onto both her husband's and son's hands.
Teru walks on. Everyone hushes.
TERU
Hello, everyone. Thank you for coming tonight. This collection gave me the hardest time. I had an artistic block. And then someone wise - much wiser than me - gave me a push in the right direction. I'd like to say this is my night. But it's not. My collaborator is the true heart and soul of this show. He focused on clothing for those with sensory issues. He forced me to think outside of my usual parameters. And if I am very lucky, I hope to continue working with him for a long, long time.
(beat)
Now you didn't come here for me to monologue at you. Let's start the show.
Teru steps off the stage. The models start walking out. The music is lively. The clothes are beautiful. Everyone murmurs appreciatively with each new piece. The music changes. The lights dim.
INT. BACKSTAGE - EVENING
REIGEN
Alright, Mobbu. It's your turn.
Reigen turns around. Mob is out of the shot. But Reigen clearly likes what he sees.
REIGEN
Go get 'em, kiddo.
INT. STAGE - EVENING
Mob walks on. He's wearing that elegant outfit. He looks confident. His shoulders are squared. His chin is lifted. He steps with grace and care and just that touch of attitude. At the catwalk's end, he strikes a simple pose - hands loose and free at his sides. His usual neutral expression shifts to allow a small smirk. Then he spins around and walks back down.
The Cryptids cheer wildly. The Kageyamas cheer wildly. The rest of the crowd follow their example. There's roaring applause.
The music quiets. The crowd slowly stops clapping. Teru retakes the stage.
TERU
Please give it up for my excellent collaborator! Shigeo Kageyama!
A beat. The crowd claps. No one comes out. Teru glances over his shoulder.
Mob gets visibly pushed back on stage. He almost stumbles but manages to hide it by taking a wide step. He repeats his walk down to Teru, no less confident. A wide grin now obvious on his face.
The two face the crowd. They bow. Cheers fill the room.
THE END.
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What I'm Watching June 2016
Here I will post the anime's that I am currently watching or re-watching, of course this does not include simulcasts as they are in a separate category all together. No, this is a list of the (some partially completed) anime that I binge watch. This post is constantly updated, as I tend to go through a single anime in its entirety within a couple of days, so keep your eye out!
6/25 Blood Blockade Battlefront
Let me get this down now. This anime is visually beautiful, sooooooo much time went into the art and details. Its movie quality beautiful, which is very unusual in a series. So onto the series itself it's about a boy who began living in a post apocalyptic New York after the gates between the human world and the 'monster' world opened. The characters are great, the premise was great, the episodes were great, everything was going wonderfully. Until the anime took an arrow to the knee... Metaphorically of course. So much was left unresolved, and in the last few episodes an obstacle was haphazardly thrown at us. I didn't check the episode count before watching the anime so I was shocked when I found out that there were only 13 (well 12 really) episodes. I get the impression that the studio was initially expecting to do a full 24 ep season considering the pacing of the anime up until episode 10. Evidently this is where the anime diverges quite a bit from the manga itself (my guess is that its unfinished. SOOOOO many anime are left in disappointment because the anime company decides to start a series before the manga has a chance to complete itself leaving the anime with a weird and out of place ending. sigh)
It really is a huge shame that Blood Blockade Battlefront ended the way it did. And its a shame that this recent trend of only creating 'half seasons' has once again resulted in a poor ending. I really liked this anime too, like I said earlier it was amazing. Seriously here's a quote from Toshi Nakamura who wrote a review of the anime itself.
"All in all, Blood Blockade Battlefront was a beautiful jewelry box filled with glittering stones that are individually beautiful, but when you put them on a string to make a necklace, on a whole, they lose a lot of their shine. Plus it feels like some of the most precious gems were left in the box."
My thoughts exactly. Those loose gems left in the box being the other 12 episodes this anime deserved in order to make one complete 24 ep season. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS.
Its so hard trying to recommend an anime when the end is a let down. I want people to see it because the first 9 episodes are fabulous, but I don't want to subject an unsatisfactory anime to anyone. Its not like the ending was bad, for how last minute it was, it was pretty well done, and it did make sense. It just wasn't the ending this anime deserved. If your willing to take this on I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the paranormal genre. Maybe it would just be best to read the manga. Its definitely on my list to read.
6/21 Sankarea Undying Love re-watch
Last time I watched this anime it was in high school after a friend recommended it to me. So I figured why not watch it again? Its a short 12 episode zombie love story. Haha, yup a zombie slice of life love story. In the world of American media, its a really unusual combination of genres, but in anime its no real surprise. I suppose the only real surprise about the anime is the fact that its relatively good, and not at all a harem like High School of the Dead. Its very cute and I think well done. The main female characters father is a total creep and wack-job but that is one of the reasons why he is the main antagonist. For being a zombie anime, its very laid back and you'll find out why as you watch it. Sankarea is an anime that I would recommend to people if I was aware of what kind of anime they liked. If you like the zombie scene but want to watch something not totally gruesome and hyped up, or if you like unusual/ supernatural/ paranormal/ ect. romances I think this is worth a shot.
6/17 Barakamon
WOW, this was really good. I initially started watching this because Funimation's YouTube channel posts trailers and promo videos for its anime. I watched the promo trailer for the English dub, recognized a lot of the voice actors in it and decided to give it a try. I'm gonna say this now, it's probably the best slice of life anime I have seen. and I mean full on slice of life, no paranormal or fantasy or anything else, it's pure slice of life. Its well written, the episodes flow, and its got a great story and great characters. The premise is that a young 20-something artist calligrapher Seishu punches a man who criticized his work as being unimaginative. As a result Seishu's father sends him to live on a rural island to 'cool his head'. The anime then follows the life of Seishu as he makes unexpected friendships and discovers who he is as an artist.
I just loved this anime, If you like slice of life, yes DEFINITELY watch this. Same if you like watching characters grow and their struggle to discover themselves, or if you like comedy, or if you like realism, or if you want a well made anime to calm down with after watching an emotionally draining one. Even if your not into the genre I recommend you give the first episode a try at least. I was immensely impressed with it.
Oh, and the full series won't be released in English until August 9, 2016, but Funimation is releasing the first two episodes in English on June 28th. I know I will definitely be re-watching this when the full English dub release comes out!!
6/16 Charlotte (re-watch)
I LOVED this anime when it came out last year. I remember getting to the last few episodes and going to the public library to finish watching it because the power went out in my house. I just finished re-watching it with one of my friends who had never seen it before. Haha, she was mad at me cause she got so invested in it. It is a doozy. But anyway, it follows high school boy Yuu Otosaka who recently became aware of a supernatural ability of his to be able to control a persons body for 5 seconds at a time. After abusing this power to cheat his way into a good high school, a girl named Tomoe catches him and makes him transfer to a school for people with other abilities. It goes on from there showing their lives, introducing characters and fortifying relationships until the REAL plot reveals itself~
If you like supernatural anime this is a really one, full story in only 13 episodes. It also touches up on quite a few 'heavy' topics, which it actually handles really well. I do recommend this to anyone actually, it was my third favourite 2015 anime of the one I watched that year.
(Bonus: I don't know who wrote this or how far into the anime hey were in, but I agree.)
6/14 50% Off (re-watch)
Oh man, I love this show. I just watched their two A-kon panels from a few weeks ago, and it's great. Just watch this show, make sure you watch it. Here's a link to my post on my favourite parody/abridge series where I talk about this show more. You don't have to know the original anime to enjoy it (I didn't watch Free until recently), so get on YouTube type it in and get going!
6/13 Princess Jellyfish (re-watch)
Alright, So now you guys are up to speed on the anime I watched during my vacation, I just started re-watching Princess Jellyfish. Oh man, I completely forgot about this little gem. I first watched it my freshman year of college (two years ago), and LOVED it. It's basically about a household of otaku young women, and one in particular who is in love with jellyfish, who make friends with their arch enemy, a stylish person! Haha, it is hilarious and a great commentary on stereotypes/social norms in Japanese culture (and really many other first world cultures for that matter.) I am having so much fun re-watching this series, it is slice of life so there is not much of an overarching plot so much as it is just following the exploits of the group after becoming friends with said stylish person I mentioned earlier. Each episode flows naturally into the next creating a constant story with each episode having to do with the next. So despite it being a slice of life, there are no filler episodes that forgotten or have nothing to do with anything. it also consistently references pop-culture and media not just from Japan, but from America too. Really, I can't express how great it is. Watch it, you won't regret it.
6/9 & 6/12
HEY! Sorry for the inactivity, I was on vacation out of state. While I was not able to do anything on this site for the past week, I was able to watch a few anime! AND hey are new ones!
So during my summer vay-cay (haha, thats such a terrible word) I watched:
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia
and Amnesia
Dusk Maiden of Amnesia was good. It's about a high school boy who makes a friend out of a ghost, Yuuko, who doesn't remember anything from when she was alive. In terms of content, while they do try to figure out how she died and who she is, a good portion is about tellig the story of the two main characters. Doing high school activities, developing relationships, ect. While the anime does frequently talk about the mystery and paranormal throughout these episodes, its not until the end of the series that the mystery of Yuuko ACTUALLY begins being solved, and they find out REAL information of her past. In hindsight, her past and the climax of the series is thrust upon you towards the end. It would have been better in my opinion if the events and info were more evenly dispersed throughout each episode from the beginning. I still really liked this anime, though I'm not sure as to how good it is. If your into the sort of subdued paranormal scene, then you may want to give this a shot. Its short, its sweet, I really liked learning about Yuuko's past when it finally got around to it, and I personally really liked it. But again, if you like the paranormal, you may like this. If your not into paranormal stuff, then I wouldn't recommend it.
Now Amnesia was a whole different box of pillows. By that I mean body pillows, and by that I mean I am sure that there area tons available. Why? Because this short anime was adapted from a dating sim called Amnesia: Memories. I wish I had known that before I started watching it, but no matter. In terms of dating sim adaptations, it's pretty good. In terms of an anime, not so much. The premise for both the anime and the game is that you are a girl who just woke up and knows absolutely nothing about herself, where she is, or who anyone else is. She has, you guessed it, amnesia. Amnesia caused by a fairy 'bumping' into her? which doesn't make too much sense. (but hey at least it wasn't because she performed horrific acts of manslaughter, created a patchwork monster, and played a huge part in nearly destroying humanity all so Alexander could become godlike, am I right?) Anyway, she wakes up and begins jumping alternate worlds in which she is dating different guys, thus the dating sim part comes in. In therms of the anime itself, the plot is a little wobbly waiting until the last 2 or 3 episodes to actually explain her true past and give a substantial story line. Because in the game, the female character and her name/personality is you, the anime version of her is left 'blank' for self insertion. Making a poor main character being pushed to and fro. But I will tell you this the music was REALLY good, the opening, closing and background music were absolutely fantastic. SO, if you have played this game and enjoyed it then I would definitely recommend it. If you have not, and have absolutely no interest in self-insertion romance, then its not worth the watch for the plot. Although I did like it myself. It's a good addition to my, quote-unquote, "trash anime" (watch out for a post in the maybe near future). Basically a list of guilty pleasure anime which are terrible when it comes to plot and characters, but I just can't resist. Its like reading trashy romance novels, but better and worse at the same time.
6/5 Red Data Girl (re-watch)
Another re-watch, maybe June will be a month of oldies~ (at least for me). RDG is an adorable anime, its a short 12 ep, one season series based off the Japanese novels of the same title.
6 novels (no official translation, but this person on tumblr has been translating them in their spare time), 4 manga novel adaptations, and one anime as mentioned. I'm not familiar with the novels or manga, but I do know that the anime covers most but not all of the novels. One person said it covers the first 5 novels but that's it. Anyway, the anime is super cute, and I really like the premise. My only issue is that the end felt like the completion of a smaller story arch within a larger one. Leaving no REAL ending, you can't even argue that the end is open to interpretation because they didn't leave you wondering what happened, they leave you without ever continuing the main story arch. Without explaining the endless questions that rose with the intention of it being resolved later. Hopefully the manga will give me some solace but with 4 books, i'm not sure if it will... I really like it, and I really wish it would continue.
oh btw, as of right now it's available on netflix, the English voice acting is ok, its not bad, but its also not great. The voice actors are able to but the right voice out, but not give the voice the emotion that the words give. I greatly prefer the Japanese voice acting, but I'm able to live with the English if I'm multi-tasking. (random note: the ending theme is super pretty. Actually, a lot about this anime is pretty)
6/2 Blue Exorcist Movie TOP PICK FOR THIS MONTH (new)
The movie has nothing to do with the plot of the anime at all, and takes place after the events in the series. Atleast I'm fairly certain it does? There's an important (and spoiler-y) thing that happens at the end of the series, that is never addressed or acknowledged in the movie which I think is really weird..... Either way, the movie itself is simply a completely stand alone story from the series. And it was absolutely stunning! Sooooo much detail went into all of the backgrounds and items. On top of that its very well scripted, and the plot flowed incredibly well together without being convoluted, which is surprising since a number of movie sequels to tv series's tend to go overboard by stuffing too much information into an hour and a half.
It was amazing. Its possible that someone could watch the movie without watching the single season anime, just because of how it was written. However you would not know the relationships or the back story of the main character, which helps to explain a lot of the terminology and setting. Especially the part about demons ect ect.
Either way, I LOVED this movie. I didn't even know that there was a movie at all until just now. I'm going to re-watch it with a friend when she gets back into town and I am soooooo excited because I KNOW she will love it too. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. I RECOMMEND THIS SO HARD.
6/1 Blue Exorcist (re-watch)
Well I can't sleep, so what better opportunity than this to re-watch Ao no Exorcist in the English dub~ Ah, I love this anime. Its funny, has great main characters, a good story and writing, and I seem to have a week spot for exorcist anime's, haha. Man, I remember watching this when it first came out in high school, I have a distinct memory of watching one of the later episodes before going to one of my friends concerts. There was a movie made about a year later, AAAAAND a series of specials. Oh, man the movie was so amazing. It has nothing to do with the plot of the anime at all, in fact the anime wrapped up everything rather nicely. The Movie itself is simply another story in cinematic format. It was absolutely beautiful, well made, well scripted, and the plot flowed incredibly well together without being convoluted. Would 100% recommend.
Oh, right! The dub isn't that bad, I mean I wish they had a different voice actor for Rin, I just don't feel like this one really lives up to the character. The other voice actors are great though, really fit the characters. The dub is well done, but I think I preferred the Japanese voice actors (they have a better pick than we do.) I just think that someone with a slightly lower, more thug-ish voice would have been better. The English actors voice is a little too high for me, it's even higher than Yukio's voice ._.
6/1 Black Butler (re-watch)
I decided to re-watch the show (minus the second season) after writing up my post from yesterday about anime whose second season could just go and disappear from existence. I love Sebastian, he is a saint, well a saint among devils. Not only is he one hell of a butler, but one hell of a contractor too, he REALLY get into his jobs, and it is amazing. Even I would enter into a contract if I could have him as a butler~ It's a goon anime, not sure if its recommendation worthy though. I mean yes it's good but it's not something that you HAVE to see, or something you would be missing out on. It's surprisingly fun and while it can and does get intense in certain areas, its not so intense that its going to mess you up. As long as you never touch the second season, NEVER.
Bonus image, cause why not:
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